Album Review: Wood & Wire's Self Titled Debut Album

Just this week I was selling the virtues of the old South Austin Jug Band, when I learn that one of its founders, mandolist Matt Slusher, is part of  Wood & Wire - a  four piece bluegrass outfit out of Austin. Co-founder, in fact. Along with the other co-founder and guitarist Tony Kamel, bassist Dom Fisher, and  Trevor Smith on banjo; the band released their debut self titled album in early February. These are all original tracks blending Austin's country and American sound with more traditional mountain bluegrass that Slusher describes as “Dirty Texas Grass.” Throughout the CD, the picking is tight, whether its the flat head guitar, bass, mandolin, or banjo - that perhaps is the most enjoyable aspect of the CD. That and the vocal harmonies. And then when they add Brittany Haas and her fiddle in “Fool Out of Me" - that could be my favorite track. Or "Rambler's Blues". Or "Coal Mining One". Select yours, there's thirteen to choose from. And check out their upcoming tour dates with the Yonder Mountain String Band.